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04/01/15 AC Minutes
Minutes
Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee(AC)
April1, 2015
: Lexington High School,Room221, 7:00 p.m.
: Glenn Parker, Chair; John Bartenstein, Vice Chair and Secretary;Alan Levine;
Beth Masterman;Susan McLeish;Eric Michelson; Richard Neumeier;Andrei Radulescu-Banu
Members absent:Mollie Garberg; Rob Addelson, (non-voting, ex officio)
Other attendees: None
The meeting was called to order at 7:05p.m.
Announcements:
1.
Mr. Parker reported thathe and Mr.Levine will be representing the Committee ata mini-
summit being planned by the Town Manager. The mini-summit will addressexpectations for
follow-up during the coming months on the appropriation made at Special Town Meeting #1for
school capital projects.
Mr. Michelson reported that onApril 2 there willbe a public meeting to discuss capital plans
to replacethe Minuteman Regional Technical High School.
2015Annual Town Meeting(ATM)Articles:
2.
Article 11 (c):Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Storm
Drainage Improvements and NPDES Complianceand Article 14:Appropriate for Water
System Improvements:
Mr. Parker reported that themotions for these capital projects have been
revised to reflect achange in the funding source.The appropriations will now include unused
funds from past appropriations.It was agreed that further clarification is requiredto determine
whether the Committee needs to take another vote on this article.
Article 11 (a):Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Center
Streetscape Improvements and Easements –Phase 1:
Mr. Michelson statedthat he previously
supported this Article, but now opposesit.He is concerned about the installation of a traffic signal
at the Massachusetts Avenue, Winthrop Road, and Woburn Street intersection.Mr. Michelson
reported that there are efforts being pursued by others in Town to develop anapproach toaddress
the intersection’s safety issues withoutan intrusive traffic signal.The signalization issueis
particularly relevant because there are proposals to install signals at three other intersections
between Lexington Center and East Lexington; so many signals could change the character of the
Town along the eastern approach to the center.He noted that he would support a motion to
indefinitely postpone the Article.Further discussion indicated that others want to be sure the safety
concerns are addressed, but may wish to change their votes after the Town Meeting presentation.
With Mr. Michelson’s opposition, the current vote on Article 11(a) is 8-1.
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04/01/15 AC Minutes
Article 44:Resolution on Fossil Fuel Divestment (Citizen Article):
Mr. Parker reported
that the motion for this Article has been changed significantly to make it less onerous. The motion
now asksthe Town to research itsholdings over the next five years to determine whether there are
reasonable and responsible changes that could be made to slowly reduce the Town’s investments in
fossil fuels. Ms. Mastermanspoke in favor of the Article, urgingothers to consider the importance
of sending a message to fossil fuel companies. Since this Article will not come before the ATM
this week, the Committee plans to discuss it further at subsequent meetings before voting on the
revised motion.
The meeting wasadjourned at 7:30p.m.
The documents used at the meeting are listed below.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Arnold
Recording Secretary
Approved July 9, 2015
Exhibits
1.Agenda,posted by Glenn Parker
2.April 1, 2015 Email from Glenn Parkerregarding Revised Motions using Unexpended Proceeds
3.March25, 2015 Email from Glenn Parkerregarding Article 44; Fossil Fuel Divestment
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